An Alabama man arrested early Sunday is accused of killing a military veteran and his wife, a couple he had publicly praised and referred to as close friends on social media for nearly a decade. George Birmingham, 46, faces charges including capital murder and murder.
Justin Elrod, a veteran, and his wife, Lena Elrod, were found dead at their home around 12:15 a.m. following reports of a burglary. Authorities have described Birmingham as an acquaintance of the victims. A motive for the killings has not yet been established.
Court records indicate that Lena Elrod was allegedly killed with an electric saw, while Justin Elrod was reportedly stabbed or struck in the head with a metallic object. Aliceville Mayor Terrence Windham described Justin Elrod as a humble individual and a hard worker who had also survived military service and employment in a prison.
Birmingham's social media activity shows a long-standing connection to the Elrod family. Posts reviewed by Fox News Digital date back approximately 10 years, with Birmingham frequently expressing positive sentiments about the couple. In a June 16 post, Birmingham included Justin and Lena Elrod in a hypothetical list of friends and family he would want to join him on a trip to Mars, writing, “no one listens better than him, and no one is more fun to argue with than her,” and concluding with, “I love you guys!” He later added, “But im very thankful for them.”
In February 2017, Birmingham shared a GoFundMe campaign for one of the Elrod children, stating, “This family is very dear to my heart.” The following May, he organized a benefit comedy show to assist with the family’s medical expenses. A June 2018 post also referenced the Elrod family, with Birmingham writing, “Some of my favorite ladies,” alongside a photo that included one of their daughters.
In addition to the murder charges, Birmingham is also suspected in a separate burglary that occurred before the alleged killings. He was arrested on charges of capital murder, two counts of murder, one count of burglary, and drug-related offenses. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for August 20.